The section about collapsing Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and the Lake of Fire into one flattened image was truly compelling. It emphasizes how easily language shapes fear without us realizing it. And your words on restoration is the point of the story, not fear rehearsal, resonated deeply. As a Catholic, I hold that judgment is real and serious, but I agree that the arc of Scripture moves toward God dwelling with humanity, not toward terror as the center of the gospel. I may not land in exactly the same place on every theological conclusion, but I’m grateful for the way you challenged inherited imagery and pushed readers back into the biblical text itself.
Thought provoking. May I test ... when death and hell are thrown into the lake of fire, are you saying that the dead in Christ might be redeemed by believing prior to that. It seems to me that once you are judged... its over. Hope I'm wrong, but the scriptures seem straightforward about that. If you are saying the dead in Christ cease to be rather are tormented eternally, that's is quite reasonable. Total Cessation of existence rather than eternal torment do seem consistent with the revelation. The lake burns eternally but consumes those thrown into it immediately.
Question, the souls of the bodies burned up in the lake... I wonder.....? Hmmmm
Great question. I’m not arguing for post-mortem redemption (“second chance after judgment”). Hebrews is pretty blunt that judgment is final (Heb 9:27), and Revelation’s Lake of Fire scene is a terminal scene.
What I am saying is simpler: “Death and Hades” being thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:14) means death itself ends. The fear economy collapses because the last enemy is removed (1 Cor 15:26). That’s the point of the image.
On the “dead in Christ” question: the New Testament hope isn’t “souls escaping forever,” it’s resurrection—life restored by God (1 Cor 15; 1 Thess 4). And on “torment vs destruction,” I’m arguing we should let the text’s categories speak: death vs life, perish vs endure, destroy vs save. “Eternal life” is promised; “eternal life in torment” is not framed as the default category.
As for “the souls of bodies burned”… Scripture doesn’t give us a mechanical diagram. It gives us a covenant promise: God judges evil, and God raises His people.
I’m trying to stay right there—where the text is loud, and not make it loud where it’s restrained. Hope that clarifies?
The attempted systematization of understanding as it pertains to God and scriptural text is a big part of why many parts of western Christianity is broken. IMO
Sergio, you’ve pulled back the heavy curtain on a topic most would rather leave in the shadows, and you did it with a clarity that is both sobering and necessary.
What really stands out to me is your point about hell being the final, tragic "Yes" from God to a soul that has spent a lifetime saying "No." It reminds me of the warning in John 3:19 that people often love the darkness more than the light because it feels safer. This reveals that the "enemy" doesn't usually show up with a pitchfork: he shows up with a mirror and a subtle distraction.
Thank you for this unique perspective: it transforms a medieval caricature into a practical call to check our own spiritual trajectories today.
Hell isn't a place God sends his enemies: it's the destination for those who insist on being their own god.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and for your insightful, kind comment. I’ll definitely read your article. I’m always thankful to engage with thoughtful believers and thinkers.🙏
‘Revival’ as a religion is a deep root. I’ve always wondered what exactly is in need of reviving if not the original Union… reunion would be the locus of motivation??
I appreciate your response brother! And I realize that the reigning in hell quote is not in the Bible. It was the only quote I could think of to illustrate an attitude! Blessings!
Brother, what about those who will not be restored, whose final choice is " I would rather reign in hell than serve in heaven! " what about Hitler and his ilk?!! Yes, I value your ministry and honor what you are doing in getting us back to the word, but it does seem to me that there are scriptures stating that there is eternal torment, though I don't recall any specifics offhand. There are verses in the synoptic gospels that seem to indicate that there are levels of punishment depending on your level of guilt. I freely admit I do not know either of the biblical languages. I also believe we have to guard against trying to interpret our way out of something that horrified us, as well it should!
Susan, I love the sincerity in your comment, and believe me I do hear you. And I’m not trying to “interpret my way out” of anything horrifying. Judgment should absolutely horrify us.
Two clarifications: “I’d rather reign in hell…” isn’t a biblical category. Scripture doesn’t present “hell” as a rival kingdom where rebels reign; the devil isn’t king there—he’s judged. And I’m not soft on Hitler and his ilk. God judges evil, and some refuse repentance to the end.
Where I’m pressing is how Scripture describes that judgment. The Synoptics do warn of severe accountability, even “more tolerable” language (degrees of guilt). I also take that seriously. I’m just resisting medieval fear-maps and asking us to keep the warnings in their Jewish, covenant frame. The Bible uses both “eternal” language and “death/perish/destroy” language—so we should hold all the texts together and not let traditions of men fill in what Scripture leaves restrained.
The section about collapsing Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and the Lake of Fire into one flattened image was truly compelling. It emphasizes how easily language shapes fear without us realizing it. And your words on restoration is the point of the story, not fear rehearsal, resonated deeply. As a Catholic, I hold that judgment is real and serious, but I agree that the arc of Scripture moves toward God dwelling with humanity, not toward terror as the center of the gospel. I may not land in exactly the same place on every theological conclusion, but I’m grateful for the way you challenged inherited imagery and pushed readers back into the biblical text itself.
🙏 I really appreciate that Victoria thank you!
I usually read, but when they are longer, I listen. And this was a good listen! Thanks!
Thought provoking. May I test ... when death and hell are thrown into the lake of fire, are you saying that the dead in Christ might be redeemed by believing prior to that. It seems to me that once you are judged... its over. Hope I'm wrong, but the scriptures seem straightforward about that. If you are saying the dead in Christ cease to be rather are tormented eternally, that's is quite reasonable. Total Cessation of existence rather than eternal torment do seem consistent with the revelation. The lake burns eternally but consumes those thrown into it immediately.
Question, the souls of the bodies burned up in the lake... I wonder.....? Hmmmm
Great question. I’m not arguing for post-mortem redemption (“second chance after judgment”). Hebrews is pretty blunt that judgment is final (Heb 9:27), and Revelation’s Lake of Fire scene is a terminal scene.
What I am saying is simpler: “Death and Hades” being thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:14) means death itself ends. The fear economy collapses because the last enemy is removed (1 Cor 15:26). That’s the point of the image.
On the “dead in Christ” question: the New Testament hope isn’t “souls escaping forever,” it’s resurrection—life restored by God (1 Cor 15; 1 Thess 4). And on “torment vs destruction,” I’m arguing we should let the text’s categories speak: death vs life, perish vs endure, destroy vs save. “Eternal life” is promised; “eternal life in torment” is not framed as the default category.
As for “the souls of bodies burned”… Scripture doesn’t give us a mechanical diagram. It gives us a covenant promise: God judges evil, and God raises His people.
I’m trying to stay right there—where the text is loud, and not make it loud where it’s restrained. Hope that clarifies?
The attempted systematization of understanding as it pertains to God and scriptural text is a big part of why many parts of western Christianity is broken. IMO
It’s us trying to put God in a box.
Sergio, you’ve pulled back the heavy curtain on a topic most would rather leave in the shadows, and you did it with a clarity that is both sobering and necessary.
What really stands out to me is your point about hell being the final, tragic "Yes" from God to a soul that has spent a lifetime saying "No." It reminds me of the warning in John 3:19 that people often love the darkness more than the light because it feels safer. This reveals that the "enemy" doesn't usually show up with a pitchfork: he shows up with a mirror and a subtle distraction.
Thank you for this unique perspective: it transforms a medieval caricature into a practical call to check our own spiritual trajectories today.
Hell isn't a place God sends his enemies: it's the destination for those who insist on being their own god.
Here is my take on the doctrine of hell:
https://anchoredwordbibleresources.substack.com/p/biblical-hell-eternal-conscious-separation?r=26hpr5
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and for your insightful, kind comment. I’ll definitely read your article. I’m always thankful to engage with thoughtful believers and thinkers.🙏
‘Revival’ as a religion is a deep root. I’ve always wondered what exactly is in need of reviving if not the original Union… reunion would be the locus of motivation??
Men are always reinventing the wheel.
I appreciate your response brother! And I realize that the reigning in hell quote is not in the Bible. It was the only quote I could think of to illustrate an attitude! Blessings!
Brother, what about those who will not be restored, whose final choice is " I would rather reign in hell than serve in heaven! " what about Hitler and his ilk?!! Yes, I value your ministry and honor what you are doing in getting us back to the word, but it does seem to me that there are scriptures stating that there is eternal torment, though I don't recall any specifics offhand. There are verses in the synoptic gospels that seem to indicate that there are levels of punishment depending on your level of guilt. I freely admit I do not know either of the biblical languages. I also believe we have to guard against trying to interpret our way out of something that horrified us, as well it should!
Susan, I love the sincerity in your comment, and believe me I do hear you. And I’m not trying to “interpret my way out” of anything horrifying. Judgment should absolutely horrify us.
Two clarifications: “I’d rather reign in hell…” isn’t a biblical category. Scripture doesn’t present “hell” as a rival kingdom where rebels reign; the devil isn’t king there—he’s judged. And I’m not soft on Hitler and his ilk. God judges evil, and some refuse repentance to the end.
Where I’m pressing is how Scripture describes that judgment. The Synoptics do warn of severe accountability, even “more tolerable” language (degrees of guilt). I also take that seriously. I’m just resisting medieval fear-maps and asking us to keep the warnings in their Jewish, covenant frame. The Bible uses both “eternal” language and “death/perish/destroy” language—so we should hold all the texts together and not let traditions of men fill in what Scripture leaves restrained.